Fig Basics

Yes, although variety selection and the growing technique may be important depending on where you live. For a basic overview of the varieties and growing techniques that would be most suitable for your location, see USA Fig Growing Maps.

Most people think of a fig newtons as the taste of figs, or they confuse the taste of figs with the taste of dates. Fig newtons are what I would describe as a "figgy" taste, and although most varieties have hints of this taste, they don't usually have this as their main flavor. Typically figs taste like berry, honey, or sugar. Berry flavors most commonly taste closest to strawberry but they can often be more complex. Figs can have hints of many other flavors, which include cherry, raspberry, caramel, tropical, and wine flavors.

Fig fruits spoil very easily and will usually not last more than a couple of days after being picked. Consequently, they are usually not produced commercially for fresh consumption. There is some commercial production for use as a dried or processed fruit (fig newtons), but dried figs are not the same as fresh figs.